‘Use ICT to broaden your horizons’ – First Lady urges women

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─ use cellphones and the internet to build bridges

─ equal access to training and participation translates into progress for all

─ thousands attend International Women’s Day Concert and Expo

DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 11, 2019

As women were being celebrated at an International Women’s Day Concert and Expo, First Lady Sandra Granger issued a call for them to use the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to broaden their horizons.

“Let our cellphones and the internet become our tools to build bridges, to share information, to support and mentor our sisters,” the First Lady urged.

Mrs. Granger told the approximately 3,000 persons present that through information technology girls and women can be encouraged to expand their knowledge and push for gender parity in the upper-management levels in the office, factory and field.

The First Lady called on women to seize the opportunities presented, noting that it is a fact that women and girls drive development. She further highlighted that “their equal access to training and participation in all facets of development translates into progress for all.”

A section of the crowd during Sunday’s activities

Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee

An Indian dance group displaying words of empowerment after their performance

First Lady Sandra Granger delivering her address

In her remarks Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee stated that “Guyana has a tradition for being a leader in the region when it comes to gender equality and women’s rights”. She highlighted that within the country “women consistently hold key decision-making portfolios”.

The International Women’s Day Concert and Expo was facilitated by the Canadian High Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, and was hosted at the Everest Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The event attracted women of all ages, who were exposed to information on Women and Reproductive Health, Entrepreneurship, Academic Programmes, among other meaningful information. Several organisations displayed their products and services and shared messages of women empowerment.

At dusk, patrons were treated to a packed concert filled with cultural performances. They were also entertained by various artistes such as renown Trinidadian Soca artist Nailah Blackman, Calvin Burnett and Guyana’s very own songbird Poonam Singh.

Anara Khan

Images: Anil Seelall